We were like Fred and Ginger...it just clicked into place!

Strictly stars Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington had so much fun touring their Once Upon A Time show last year that they have decided to hit the road again. RICHARD BARBER reports.

- RICHARD BARBER

NADIYA, 34, says of their new dance extravaganza Behind the Magic: “We felt we had much more to say and show to our lovely audience.

“The point is to lift the curtain on what goes on behind the scenes – in a dance studio, in how the team comes together, in wardrobe and so on.

“I’m particularly passionate about the costumes, not least because my mum, Larisa, creates most of the designs.”

The month-long tour will feature three auxiliary dancing couples and a singer, who also plays various instruments.

Rumour has it that Nadiya might even burst into song. With a coy smile she reveals: “I might – I did a Marilyn Monroe routine in last year’s show and that included a bit of singing.”

What about Kai? “I think you might see me pick up my guitar,” he says. 

As with Once Upon A Time, the choreographer will be Scott Caldwell.

“I worked with him on the Here Come The Boys stage show at the London Palladium,” says Nadiya, “so I know how good he is.”

The tour finishes in Southampton, much to the delight of Kai, 28, who says: “That’s a particular thrill for me, because it’s my hometown.”

While any tour is demanding for pro dancers, it will be more so for Nadiya who uniquely among Strictly’s professionals is a mother.

Daughter Mila, now seven, lives with her in London. “She’ll be in school every day throughout June and being looked after by my mother – Mila calls her Babushka.

“Although I will come home as often as I can if we’re not too far from London.